Champion Almanzor to stand at Haras d'Etreham

Almanzor, last year's champion three-year-old in Europe, will begin his stallion career at Haras d'Etreham in Normandy next year.

Etreham, in partnership with SF Bloodstock, bought a half-share in the son of Wootton Bassett before he notched his third Group 1 success in the Champion Stakes last year.

His impressive victories at Ascot, as well as in the Prix du Jockey Club and a vintage renewal of the Irish Champion Stakes, launched him to stardom and his honour as Europe's best of 2016.

However, he appeared to have lost his sparkle when fifth in a Deauville Group 3 contest in August on his sole start this season, having missed the first part of the season due to quarantine measures as his trainer Jean-Claude Rouget's facilities were hit by a virus. His retirement from racing was announced soon after that run.

Etreham bred Almanzor out of Darkova, an unraced daughter of Maria's Mon from a good Aga Khan family whose members include Classic winners Darjina and Darsi.

The stud sold him to Rouget for €100,000 as a yearling.

The colt will join his sire Wootton Bassett on the Etreham roster and will stand at a fee of €35,000.

Gerard Augustin-Normand and Antonio Caro, whose silks Almanzor carried with distinction, have sold their shares in the stallion, who will be part syndicated.